This publication examines a study of cultural exchange within a fifth grade classroom, presenting case studies of three children and their families and the relationships they developed with the teacher, the ethnographer, and the school community. The study examined teachers, students, and families who drew lessons from interacting with one another…

This brief is one in a series on children and welfare reform that explores how states and communities can achieve the adult-focused goals of welfare reform and enhance the well-being of young children. Arguing that deliberate policy, program, fiscal, and collaborative strategies are needed to strengthen basic supports, promote young children's…

This collection of papers identifies the leading sources of inequality in public education and proposes public policy remedies. The eight chapters are: (1) "Introduction: Making K-12 Public Education an Engine for Social Mobility" (Richard D. Kahlenberg); (2) "Summer Learning and Home Environment" (Doris R. Entwisle, Karl L. Alexander, and Linda…

Noting that after-school programs are becoming an important developmental support for low- and moderate-income families and their children, this book describes the historical development of these programs, their current status, and critical issues facing after-school programs. Divided into historical eras, the book examines: (1) the evolution of…

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services conducted a study to collect information about homeless families in the state who are relying on shelters. Information was obtained from census reports from all shelters in the state, from interviews with a parent from each of the 411 families living at the shelters, and from a review…

Many investigations of children's rights and child development in Bulgaria have not addressed the overall deterioration of the social environment that may have disproportionately affected children. This paper investigates the changes that occurred in Bulgaria over the past decade of transition from a totalitarian government to a democracy in three…

This report on the well-being of America's children focuses on the need for renewed commitment to children by all sectors of society. The foreword to the report exhorts governors to lead a culture change and show that states can more efficiently help their own children. This section also describes the mission of the Leave No Child Behind movement,…

Using data from Brazil's 1996 national household survey, various dimensions of child labor were examined by gender, including participation, intensity, and type of activities; the relationships between child labor, education, and future earnings; and the risks of child labor to health and well being. Findings indicate that more boys than girls…

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) programs can be coordinated in a number of ways, some of them especially focused on women. For example, research suggests the following: (1) WIA and TANF can be coordinated to improve low-income women's human capital development; (2) many states and localities…

This publication examines the relationship between K-12 and postsecondary education, calling for greater policymaker attention to inter-level issues. The document examines the growing relationship between K-12 and postsecondary education, citing some recent initiatives to connect these two levels of education; most importantly, it argues that such…

Part of a series on California's future through 2025, this theme issue of California Agriculture examines how demographic changes and increased ethnic diversity will affect the state's agriculture, economy, and educational system. Research articles are: "Immigration, High Fertility Fuel State's Population Growth" (William A. V. Clark);…

West Virginia's state welfare reform plan was in effect by the end of 1997. In 1999, over 175 interviews were conducted with past and present welfare recipients to bring their experiences and concerns to the attention of the public and policymakers. Nearly all interviewees were women and were taking part in work activities. In general, welfare…

This report provides important state-by-state information on the characteristics and performance of schools and students in each state, information that is vital to monitoring the progress and evaluating the success of local, state, and national education reforms. The report disaggregates student achievement data so that attention can be focused…

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. This report details the accomplishments and activities of UNICEF for the year 1999. The report begins with the mission statement and…

The relationship between school system financial and demographic data and student achievement on the science subsection of the Tennessee statewide standardized test was studied to determine if systems that served large numbers of low income students had been as successful as more affluent systems in improving student achievement. System-level data…